2023 is ConstructReach’s five-year anniversary, with this year’s “I built this!” events marking half a decade of introducing young, diverse talent to the construction industry. We’re taking a moment to celebrate just how far we’ve come and prepare for the places we’ve yet to go.
2019: “I built this!” Atlanta
Our very first “I built this!” event took place in Atlanta, Georgia. Since the beginning, our Target partners have been with us, providing space and resources for hands-on interactions with construction professionals. While this was not as big as some later “I built this!” events would become, it was still a great start to an amazing tradition.
2020: “Build to Heal”, Minneapolis
2020 was a year unlike any other — posing challenges to in-person events while also making it clear why ConstructReach’s mission is so important. Although we originally planned a slate of events in Los Angeles, Denver, St. Louis, and Miami, those plans were quickly derailed due to the growing Covid-19 pandemic.
After the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked national outrage against systemic racial injustice, many began to search for the solutions necessary for our communities to heal. ConstructReach believes in the fundamental importance of racial equity both within and outside the construction industry, and we took action to help heal our communities.
In August of 2020, we joined with Target to host a “Build to Heal” event at a Minneapolis store which had been damaged following the death of George Floyd. As we rebuilt the physical location, we also hosted conversations with government officials, community leaders, brands, and general contractors about what steps need to be taken to create a more equitable future.
2021: “I built this!” Chicago and Miami
In 2021, the ConstructReach team was back on the road! We were able to hold two “I built this!” events in different cities in the same year for the first time.
In Chicago, we hosted more than 70 students and educators, with four schools participating in person and five schools participating virtually. Students were eager to get back to in-person, hands-on learning opportunities!
We welcomed even more students and activities in Miami as events spread over two sunny days! Students laid tile, wired switches, and learned from industry experts and leaders from their own communities.
2022: “I built this!” Kansas City, Los Angeles, Detroit, and St. Louis
2022 was our biggest and most successful year yet! We had a record-breaking number of locations, student and educator participation, and general contractor partners.
In Missouri, we hosted events in St. Louis and Kansas City, where students met with industry mentors and got the chance to participate in a variety of activities, from shelf construction to tile laying to power drilling.
Our Los Angeles event offered even more exciting activities, including welding and an immersive VR experience!
The Detroit event saw huge attendance, which required us to find a larger venue. We even received a special visit from Target mascot, Bullseye!
2023: Going Beyond
We can’t wait to see what incredible memories we’ll make and what milestones we’ll pass in 2023. Find out when we’ll be in a city near you and how to get involved with ConstructReach by signing up for our “I built this!” mailing list!
Thanks for all your support these past five years. We look forward to many more!
